You don’t have to be Julia Child to indulge in some late summer French cooking. Ratatouille is a Provencal vegetable dish with a long history of interpretations of how to cook it best. Chef friend Liz Tarpy of Teaberry Productions has yet another “spin” on this famed dish. Liz’s version is full of sweetly stewed garden fresh flavors and true to its humble roots. Make a trip to the garden or green grocer and turn summer’s bounty into a savory side or main dish. Try Liz Tarpy’s Ratatouille recipe.

We’re not gourmet cooks here at Maine Cottage, but the thoughts and sensory associations that go along with the fresh colors, smells, textures and forms of a garden’s August harvest are so beautiful. And so brief. It’s no wonder we want to pile them all into one dish and pop them in our mouths. Mmmmmmm. Make sure to have lots of crusty bread to sop up the juices.

Summer cookouts are the best. Finding creative ways to prepare food for them can be tricky. Hot dogs and burgers are reliable staples, of course, and it’s great to have a veggie accompaniment too. Our chef friend Liz Tarpy developed this versatile rendition of an all-time favorite: Red Potato and Zucchini Salad for added cookout (much needed?) sophistication.

We’re collaborating with New York City-based chef friend Liz Tarpy of Teaberry Productions on a Maine Cottage Cookbook. Liz has worked as a culinary editor and researcher, recipe tester, and food stylist at the Food Network since 2003. Shows include Iron Chef America, Emeril Live, Paula’s Home Cooking, and Boy Meets Grill.

Summer cookouts are the best. Finding creative ways to prepare food for them can be tricky. Hot dogs and burgers are reliable staples, of course, and it’s great to have a veggie accompaniment too. Our chef friend Liz Tarpy developed this versatile rendition of an all-time favorite: Red Potato and Zucchini Salad for added cookout (much needed?) sophistication.

We’re collaborating with New York City-based chef friend Liz Tarpy of Teaberry Productions on a Maine Cottage Cookbook. Liz has worked as a culinary editor and researcher, recipe tester, and food stylist at the Food Network since 2003. Shows include Iron Chef America, Emeril Live, Paula’s Home Cooking, and Boy Meets Grill.

Liz Tarpy of Teaberry Productions loves food and loves to write recipes. After working at Maine Cottage for several years, she set out to seek her fortune in the world of food. Now we’re back together collaborating on a Maine Cottage cookbook full of fresh recipes. Here are some of her summertime greatest hits.

The best corn is fresh from the husk. In Maine we relish clambakes with steamed, grilled and boiled corn. Liz’s Trio of Corn recipes are full delicious ideas, including Grilled Corn on the Cob with a Parsley-Garlic Butter, a Mexican Corn Salad, and Corn Fritters with a Chimichurri Dipping Sauce. Yummy!

Turn your summer catch into lunch or dinner with this flavorful recipe. Rainbow trout is a delicacy when it’s grilled over open flames with savory shallots, lemon and garden fresh thyme, then served on a bed of fresh arugula greens. Download Liz’s recipe and try it yourself: Grilled Whole Trout with Lemon and Thyme on Arugula.

The fizzy mint-infused flavors of Liz’s spirited Gin Eddy make it a quintessential summer drink. Bubbly, light prosecco combined with the piney, citrus flavors of good gin give it a lift that sets it apart from it’s Cuban relative, the mojito. Serve it over lots of ice and a bowl full of zesty Citrus Spiced Olives. Your friends will thank you.

Gazpacho season is always too short. We wait and wait for tomatoes to ripen as cute plants wind their way through the garden laden with those plump green gourds. Liz’s version of this chilled soup is simple and versatile. The best ingredients are in your garden or at a local farmer’s market. Chop it all up and puree it into a smooth delight. It’s a refreshing choice on a hot summer’s day. Try Liz’s Good Gazpacho recipe.

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The Maine Cottage® blog is a window into what inspires our designers to create cottage style furniture, coastal colors and unique fabric patterns. Whether you're an interior designer that specifies our products, a color consultant with creative block or a homeowner ready to live on the colorful side—welcome to our color drenched journey!